Helpful Tips on Winter Driving
December 24th, 2008 by admin
One of the most dangerous conditions for driving is during the winter. Especially that environmental degradation resulting to climate change has brought about more severe and more harshly cold winters. Because of this road accidents are common during winter storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency advises motorists to always take precautionary measures when driving during the winter season.
Before going on an inevitable trip in the middle of winter, take a thorough check on all the key operating systems of your vehicle. If you have a GM vehicle, you can take advantage of the OnStar equipment if you have active OnStar subscription since there is this feature called remote diagnostics. This OnStar feature allows you to connect to a specially trained technician who can remotely check the vital systems in your vehicle through GPS technology. OnStar also has emergency and roadside assistance that you can rely to when worse comes to worst while you are on the road.
It is still necessary though that every thing from the wipers to the oil level, brakes and heater be checked if they are in perfect working condition. The tires should also be thoroughly checked if they need filling. Your tank level must be at least half-filled. With all of these meticulously done, make sure that you have in your vehicle emergency items such as flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit, medicines, blankets, sleeping bags, matches, extra warm clothing including socks and mittens, shovel, ice scrapers, small tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and wrench, and of course non-perishable foods, your cash, and your credit cards.
Always keep an ear on the latest weather news and conditions before and during your driving especially if you will be going on along trip. You should also be constantly notifying someone of your travel route and itinerary before and during the trip. It is also advisable not to travel alone during inevitable long trips in the middle of winter. And most important of all you should have a plan of your travel for your alternative routes if primary routes are impassable, and if possible, you can postpone your trip for safety reasons until weather and road driving conditions become more favorable.
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